THE FLOCK NEWSLETTER

Did you know we have a Kids Korner?

As naturalists, we strive to teach younger generations how to enjoy and protect the environment, and the Kids Korner does just that. We have a variety of different educational resources to keep curiosity alive, like puzzles, books, and finger puppets. One of the most popular books we carry is Listen to the Birds by Donald Kroodsma, Léna Mazilu, and Yoann Guény. This book works with a free, interactive app that makes the birds on each page come alive with animations and songs. Almost every bird that is featured in the book can be found in your own backyard!

One of the more intriguing items that can be found in the Kids Korner is a bird house that can be assembled, painted, and put out for the birds to use. It is a smaller house that Chickadees or Wrens would be excited to use for raising a family. If you have younger children, try building it together with them and see the magic happen when spring arrives - try to identify what birds check it out.

Don’t Forget to Watch the Birds on Vacation!

Store owner, Laurel, took a trip to Arizona and got to enjoy seeing a Ruby- throated Hummingbird before they begin their migration north for the spring and summer. One of the easiest nectar feeders to use is our Mini High-perch Hummingbird feeder, and in this case, Laurel’s sister has it on a table stand on her fifth story balcony. Even if you’re in an apartment complex, it is possible to make your bird feeding dreams happen! Hummingbirds are a great way to get started with the hobby because all you need is some sugar and water to make their nectar, and they do not make a big mess like some other feathered friends. Learn how to prepare for Michigan’s spring residents next time you’re in!

Nature Nerd Corner:

White-throated Sparrow

Our customer V.V. managed to get a great picture of one of Michigan’s winter visitors: the White-throated Sparrow. Their most defining features are the white patch on their throats and the yellow spots between the eyes and beak. However, there are two distinct color morphs of this species, one that has a black-and-white striped crown, and the other that has a black-and tan striped crown (which is featured in this picture). Typically, sparrow species forage in mixed flocks this time of year, so you might see them eating with Dark-eyed Juncos or American Tree Sparrows. If you want to learn more check out www.allaboutbirds.org

Save the Songbirds

Keeping Food Fresh for Healthy Birds

When we provide our feathered friends with the best quality food, it leads to the best quality of life for them and their fledglings. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and lots of rain can lead to faster spoilage of bird food in feeders and storage containers, so it’s important to make sure it has not gone bad. If you have seed that is moldy, rancid, or foul-smelling throw it out immediately. Clean feeders or storage containers that were in contact with the spoiled food with warm, soapy water and sanitize with a 10% bleach solution (9 parts water to 1 part bleach). Rinse the feeder or container again and let it dry for 24 hours before refilling with new, fresh bird food.

The best practice for storing food is placing it in rodent- and insect-proof storage bins with lids that can be secured shut, and in a cool, dry location. New food should not be mixed with old food as a precaution to keep it as fresh as possible without cross-contamination. Any food can become infested with grain moths, beetles, and weevils if it sits around long enough. The birds will not mind these insects, but to rid your bird food of pests, you can store it in the freezer for several days. When you need to refill feeders allow it to defrost the day before you use it.

Throughout the warmer months there can be some weeks where there is a lull in bird activity, since there is plenty of natural foraging opportunities for our backyard birds. During these slow periods we recommend only stocking up on a few weeks of supplies at a time, to ensure it is eaten quickly and does not sit for long enough to spoil. In cooler weather, food can last for several weeks without having to worry about it going rancid or stale. When refilling feeders, only refill with enough food to last a few days. With these helpful tricks, your birds will continue to visit your feeders and will show the rest of the neighborhood where the best food joint is! Stop by the store or place an order online to keep yourself stocked up this season.

If you want a video tutorial for how to clean bird feeders watch it HERE.